Following feedback from pharmacy contractors, PSNC agreed at its meeting last week that the PSNC Drug Tariff simplification working group will review whether the new item level fee for dispensing oral liquid methadone fully reflects the costs involved in dispensing, including costs associated with supply in daily dose bottles. The working group will consider representations and analysis from contractors and LPCs and will report back to the committee in October.

The working group comprises contractors representing a national multiple, a regional multiple and an independent contractor. The original analysis and initial calculations involved in the determination of the item level fee was published to LPCs on 27th June. The working group will also consider all communications received by PSNC to date. Contractors are asked to complete one of the tables linked below (there are separate tables for manual and automated methadone dispensing) and submit to info@psnc.org.uk with the subject heading “Methadone Data” by the end of August 2012.

Commenting on the decision, Sue Sharpe, Chief Executive, PSNC said:

“We believe the analysis undertaken by the DT Simplification Working Group was thorough, but we are anxious to ensure that we have taken into consideration all the costs of supply of oral liquid methadone in calculating the fee level.

“Methadone fees are charged to the total funding pot, so it is important to ensure that pot is distributed as fairly as possible. The changes in payments for some contractors from the new fee structure are substantial, and the Committee needs to be sure that they are not being under-funded for this important work. This is why we are undertaking this review.

“If it becomes clear that the fee level needs to change, we will put the case to the Department of Health, and I am sure they will consider the arguments carefully. The Department have shown their responsiveness to the concerns of contractors by working with us to develop and implement the transitional payments.”

In his blog also commenting on the issue, David Carter (Gateshead and South Tynesside LPC Chairman) said:

"This work can only be done accurately with contractor help; so we need to provide PSNC with the costing evidence they require in order to do this.This is our chance to feed into the debate. Please help by filling in the forms and submitting them."

Click Here for Manual Dispensing Form Can be found at the following Link

Click Here for Automated Dispensing Form can found at the following Link